Birmingham is the heartbeat of Alabama, featuring many of the state’s most popular attractions. With plenty of variety, there is always something to do in the Magic City. Here's a list of Birmingham’s favorite local attractions, according to About Town’s Annual Reader’s Poll!
#5 - Barber Motorsports
Barber Motorsports Park has been a staple of Birmingham since 2003. The Motorsports museum includes over 1,600 motorcycles, making it the largest motorcycle collection in the world. It also features a collection of rare cars and much more! Barber hosts many different races and events throughout the year, including IndyCar series events. During races, concessions are located in the Surgere Fan Zone, Turns 2/3 Hillside, Turns 15/16 Hillside and the Kamtek Garage. Alcohol is served. Learn more and plan your next visit at barberracingevents.com!
Museum hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m - 6 p.m., Sunday 12 a.m - 6 p.m.
Museum Tickets: Adults - $15, Child - $10
Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Birmingham, AL 35094
#4 - Railroad Park
Railroad Park is a 19-acre green space located in downtown Birmingham. The park was built as a symbol of the city's industrial and artistic heritage while also recognizing that Birmingham has a bright future ahead of it. Featuring a 3/4 mile “Rail Trail” perfect for runners and the casual walker, a designated skateboard area, age-appropriate playground equipment and more! The park is free to visit and pet friendly (just be sure to pick up after your furry friends). No outside alcohol is allowed, but there are designated areas to purchase. Check the park's website for information about the Boxcar Café, picnic guidelines and more.
Hours: 7 a.m - 11 p.m.
Address: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
#3 - Birmingham Barons
The Barons have existed in one form or another since 1885, and have spent the last 122 seasons playing baseball in Birmingham! The Barons generally play 70 home games a year. In 2019, they celebrated the 25th Anniversary of famous basketball player Michael Jordan’s years with the Barons! A favorite spot for families, young and older adults, crowds typically pack Regions Field in downtown Birmingham on summer evenings and look forward to Thirsty Thursday drink specials and Friday night fireworks. The Barons are taking the 2020 season off due to the pandemic, but there are other exciting things to look forward to at Regions Field, including movie screenings on the field. To learn more about the Barons and events at Regions Field, click here!
Address: 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
#2 - Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo opened in 1955 and since then it has grown to include 800 animals representing over 200 species. Last year over 560,000 visitors came to see the beautiful menagerie of animals, making it the most visited attraction in Alabama. Check out animals like the African Lions, Double-Wattled Cassowary, the Bumble Bee Dart frog, or the zoo’s impressive elephant exhibit. Kids delight in riding the zoo's train, carousel and wild slide. The facility features a beautiful new entrance, with a gift shop, family rooms, and sensory-inclusive room for children with autism. Guests can grab a bite at two restaurants and multiple snack stations throughout the zoo. Learn more about seeing the zoo for yourself at birminghamzoo.com!
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
Cost of Admission: Adults - $17.95, Seniors (65+) - $14.95, Children (2-12) - $12.95, Children under two get in free!
Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
#1 - Vulcan
Standing at 56 feet tall and made with over 100,000 pounds of steel, Giuseppe Moretti's statue of Vulcan has been a landmark atop Red Mountain since 1936 (though he's been in Birmingham since 1906). Vulcan is a symbol of Birmingham’s strength and resilience, as well as its roots in the iron and steel industry, and it's the largest cast iron statue in the world. Guests to Vulcan Park and Museum can ride an elevator to the top of the statue's pedestal or climb up 159 steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The adjoining museum features interactive exhibits exploring the statue and city's history. Vulcan is wheelchair and handicap accessible. Guests can enjoy a picnic on the lawn and take a walk or run down the two-mile Vulcan Trail. For more information, head on over to visitvulcan.com!
Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost of Admission: Adults - $6 Adults, Seniors (65+) - $5, Children (5-12) - $4, Children 4 and under get in free!
Address: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
